Nidec purchases first of five German robotic firms

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Japanese motor
manufacturer Nidec has embarked on a robotics shopping spree, following the $45m
purchase of German robot parts maker MS-Graessner, as it looks to tap into rapidly
growing robotic demand throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Nidec, which it is believed
is set to spend $450m on acquiring five German robotics companies by the end of
March 2019, has ambitions to enhance its technological capabilities and take
advantage of a global shift toward automated manufacturing.

The Japanese company, known
for speed-reducing gearboxes used in the joints of robot arms, will pay an estimated
JPY5bn ($45m) for the German manufacturer through its subsidiary Nidec-Shimpo.

In a statement, the
company said: "As a result of the transaction, Nidec-Shimpo is now capable
of offering more comprehensive precision gearbox solutions, both linear and
angular types, and leveraging Graessner's sales network to expand its sales in
Europe which offers a large market for planetary gearboxes.

"In addition,
Nidec-Shimpo plans to manufacture its newly developed strain wave gearboxes for
robotic application in Graessner's German factory and offer its products along
with aftersales services to Graessner's customers serving the robot industry."

Graessner will now be
able to sell its products through Nidec-Shimpo's sales and aftersales service
network in Asia and the Americas.

"Nidec-Shimpo and
Graessner have strong brands, high technological capabilities and solid
customer bases. Nidec believes that its financial strength and global presence
will bolster these advantages, which will help the company achieve future
growth," Nidec added.

Nidec plans to buy
another machine tools and robot parts manufacturing company later this month,
as well as two more in January 2019 and one in March 2019. Nidec intends to use
the acquired companies' facilities to produce its own robot parts and expand
sales to European robotics makers.

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